Mark Atkinson is one of the most colourful characters in Gloucester’s squad.

We put some quick-fire questions to the centre to find out a bit more about his life away from the rugby field and he gave some typically good-humoured and interesting responses, including about how his mum once stopped him from attending a trial for football’s Premier League giants Manchester City.

It’s always easier to get up after a win! Then a big Sunday roast somewhere.

Favourite type of music

Pop music. I like things in the charts. I get to listen to anything that Jake (Rowan) has on repeat. Any new music he finds and then we just here the same song on repeat 10 times a day. So whatever he’s playing in the car or at home.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that we don’t know

I was offered trials at Manchester City when I was younger and my mum didn’t let me go.

She held me back from my true calling in life!

We started to play indoor five-a-side football on a Monday night and a lot of people think they can play. Paul Doran-Jones referred to his left foot as the wand. For a big boy he can play.